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Malignant mesothelioma induced in baboons by inhalation of amosite asbestos
Author(s) -
Webster Ian,
Goldstein Bertie,
Coetzee Frans S. J.,
van Sittert Gerhardus C. H.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/ajim.4700240602
Subject(s) - medicine , asbestos , mesothelioma , inhalation , asbestosis , occupational exposure , pathology , environmental health , lung , anesthesia , materials science , metallurgy
Ten out of 12 South African baboons ( Papio ursinus ) survived exposure to amosite asbestos dust for periods ranging from 242 days to 898 days at an aerosol level ranging between 1,100 and 1,200 fibers per milliliter. After exposure, they were kept under observation until they died; the total residence time of amosite varied from 1.2–10.2 years. All underwent detailed postmortem necropsy examinations. All baboons had asbestosis. Five of the baboons developed malignant diffuse mesothelioma; three peritoneal, and two pleural with peritoneal invasion. These results indicate that amosite is highly carcinogenic. Since it is difficult to accomplish follow‐up of persons exposed to amosite asbestos because of the geographic location of the amosite mines and mills in South Africa (a majority of the workers being migrant laborers from countries bordering on the Transvaal), it is therefore probable that cases of peritoneal mesothelioma have been missed. If human beings are likely to react to amosite as do baboons, epidemiological follow‐up should include identification of abdominal as well as thoracic neoplasms. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.